Weekend in Pittsford, NY

Mark, Katie and Lane


Refreshment tent













At Firehouse #1, firemen, dressed in their wool dress uniforms at attention. The flag hung before two ladder trucks. Final call was called was made for Mark's dad, Barry, a volunteer fireman for 54 years.



Shannon and her dad, Greg, lunch at Thirsty's was great



Katie feeding baby Lane,

We drove to Pittsford, NY, last week to help Katie with the baby during the funeral activities for Mark's dad. The drive through Canada was hot and boring and during the hour plus wait at the US border the air conditioning conked out. We were totally disoriented while in town, it is a very old town and there wasn't a pattern to the road that we could figure out. We really enjoy Mark's family and were lucky to stay with his Aunt Jean and Uncle Greg, they have a house beautiful.

We went to the visitation so we could take the baby home after an hour. The family was there from 2:45 to 8:30 pm on Friday. It was organized so only so many were let in at a time, many firemen in full uniform. Very respectful. Hundred of people came, waiting for up to 40 minutes in line.

The funeral was on Saturday, we sat up front so we could take out Buddy if he got fussy. A most moving moment was when the Fire Chief carried in Barry's white fire helmet and placed it on a table in front of the altar. Then the fireman pall bearers brought in the casket. Lindsay, Shannon, Greg, Traci and Tim all read. A bagpiper played before and after mass.

The procession to the cemetery was led by the Firehouse band, then the firemen, then the truck used as the hearse. Then the cars. Many people walked, as well as the firemen and band.

Afterwards there was a wonderful dinner, with a tent and tables outside with drinks, appetizers, and desserts. The buffet was set up in the firehouse basement.